0-3 defeat! Italian coach admits that the team performs poorly and may be fired

In the first match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Italy lost 0-3 away to Norway, conceding three goals in the first half. Coach Luciano Spaletti admitted after the game that the team's performance was "shocking" and hinted that he might be fired by the Italian Football Association.

The start of this game was disastrous. Sollot, Noosa and Haaland helped Norway take a three-goal lead in the first 45 minutes, completely disrupting the rhythm and confidence of the Blues.

"We have to face the problem"

In an interview with RAI Sports, Spaletti said:

"The way the game develops is worth pondering. The first goal conceding could have been avoided, and then we exposed problems in the air defense. Several personal breakthroughs of the opponent made us very passive."

"Since then, everything has become more difficult."

Facing the media about why the team fell into a similar situation again The sluggish state of the European Cup against Switzerland - questioning of no response and lack of fighting spirit. Spaletti admitted:

"When they were behind 0-2, they contracted their defense line, and it was difficult for us to find offensive space. But more importantly, we lacked players who could break through the opponent in one-on-one, which became the key gap."

In the whole game, Italy's only shot was completed in stoppage time by Lorenzo Luca, and the shooting quality was not high, so the opponent's goalkeeper easily resolved it.

The first key goal in the group is

According to the rules of this World Cup qualifier, the top group can directly advance to the 2026 US, Canada and Mexico World Cup, while the second place needs to participate in the play-offs. For Italy, which has missed the two consecutive World Cups in 2018 and 2022, this loss is undoubtedly a heavy blow. When asked whether such a result means the failure of the entire Italian national team program, Spaletti responded firmly:

"I am the head of this team, which is the lineup I personally selected, so I will continue to lead them forward. We need to make improvements in some aspects, especially when it comes to passing the ball in the wrong way, and we can no longer give any advantage to our opponents."

"This is the best choice after our evaluation, so we will continue to use this group of players."

hint that it may leave: "I need to talk to Gravina about their ideas"

Despite the firm attitude, Spaletti also left room. In an interview with Sky Sports Italy Channel, he said with reservation:

"This is not the real us. From an individual perspective, we can do more. Of course, we are also in a difficult period and have encountered some adverse factors. But I will still stick to this team because I believe in their potential."

"I need to talk to Football Association Chairman Gravina about their intentions and their views on my decision-making. I chose these people because I believe they have the strength. But if our defense can't even hold off on offside and the players don't actively fight, it means we lack confidence. It's not enough to have skills."

Italy will face Moldova at home on Monday, which is a key battle for them to regain their confidence. However, in the face of reporters' question about whether they are worried that the dream of the World Cup has gradually faded away, Spaletti said in a heavy tone:

"Worries certainly exist. After such a defeat, you must reflect seriously and face the existing problems. But you must also solve them because there is no choice."